Advanced South African Politics

Third year, first semester course, four lectures per week and at least eight tutorials.

What does political modernity mean in post-Apartheid South Africa? This course focuses on theories and approaches of comparative politics to interpret South African politics, post-1944. More specifically, we examine studies in modernity to ask critical questions of the conventional literature on Third Wave democratisation and specifically democratic consolidation in South Africa. A key theme is the focus on the ANC as a liberation movement and dominant party and its centrality in understanding contemporary South African politics. The emphasis in this course will be on critical analysis of the literature and empirical application to the South African case.

DP requirements: Tutorial attendance is compulsory and students who attend fewer than 85% of the tutorials will not be allowed to write the final ex amination. In addition, completion of all written assignments, essays and tests are a requirement for a DP. Should students fail to hand in written assignments by due date, they will be penalised according to the grading formula of the Department. All required work for DP purposes MUST be submitted by the last day of the course.

Assessment: Coursework counts 50%; final two-hour examination counts 50%.